Faith Fainting

1 When compassed with clouds of distress,
Just ready all hope to resign,
I pant for the light of thy fame,
And fear it will never be mine:
Disheartened with waiting so long,
I sink at thy feet with my load,
All-plaintive I pour out my song,
And stretch forth my hands unto God.

2 Shine, Lord, and my terror shall cease;
The blood of atonement apply;
And lead me to Jesus, for peace,
The rock that is higher than I
Speak, Savior, for sweet is thy voice;
Thy presence is fair to behold;
Attend to my sorrows and cries,
My groanings that cannot be told.

3 If sometimes I strive as I mourn,
My hold of thy promise to keep,
The billows more fiercely return,
And plunge me again in the deep;
While harassed and cast from thy sight,
The tempter suggests with a roar,
"The Lord has forsaken thee quite;
Thy God will be gracious no more."

4 Yet Lord, if thy love hath designed
No covenant blessing for me,
Ah, tell me, how is it I find
Some pleasure in waiting for thee?
Almighty to rescue thou art;
Thy grace is my only resource;
If e'er thou art Lord of my heart,
Thy spirit must take it by force.

The Christian's duty, exhibited in a series of hymns, 1791